Entertainment

Samsung Banned From Selling Some Galaxy Phones in the Netherlands

A Dutch judge has banned Samsung from selling several models of its Galaxy smartphones because they may infringe on an Apple patent.

Apple had filed claims against Samsung for infringement of several patents: one that protects a method of scrolling and browsing photo galleries, another that involves how the phone responds to screen taps, and a third related to the unlock image and a handful of design patents.

A district court said in a statement that it has set a preliminary injunction against some of Samsung's phones in response to just one of those claims — the patent regarding viewing of photos on a touchscreen phone. The other claims were rejected.

The ban is set to begin on October 13, but Samsung doesn't seem to be taking it too hard.

"Today's ruling is an affirmation that the Galaxy range of products is innovative and distinctive," the company told the BBC in a statement. "With regard to the single infringement cited in the ruling, we will take all possible measures including legal action to ensure that there is no disruption in the availability of our Galaxy smartphones to Dutch consumers."

The company has already announced that it will modify its Gallery app on its smartphones in order to allow their sale.

Samsung was recently dealt several similar blows by Apple patents. Earlier this month, a German court granted Apple a preliminary injunction on its Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet, and an Apple lawsuit delayed the Galaxy Tab launch in Australia.

In April, Apple sued Samsung in the U.S. for "slavishly copying" the iPhone and iPad (Samsung promptly counter-sued). Apple has also taken on legal battles with HTC, Motorola Mobility, Amazon, Nokia and Kodak.

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